5 coaches Tennessee should consider after firing Butch Jones
Tennessee finally pulled the plug on the Butch Jones era after fans spent weeks clamoring for a change. Now the university has the arduous task of finding a replacement who will turn those frowns upside down.
With openings also being discussed in Florida, Ole Miss, Oregon State, and potentially a couple more in the offseason, Tennessee may be motivated to act early and get the coach it wants before someone else does. Here are five names athletic director John Currie should consider before making a move.
The Big Fish - Chip Kelly
Kelly has been arguably the hottest free agent among head coaches in college football, but the former Oregon bench boss has yet to land anywhere after a four-year run in the NFL. The Ducks were one of the most feared offensive forces when Kelly was at the helm, an area the Volunteers have struggled in mightily this year. Kelly would be a huge get for Tennessee, but it remains to be seen if he will express interest in taking over a program in dire straights.
The Resident - Brady Hoke
Tennessee already has a former head coach on its staff, and handing Brady Hoke the reigns could be a possibility if administrators feel there isn't an external candidate that fits the mold. Hoke does have coaching experience on his side as well as a Sugar Bowl win during his first year at Michigan, but that peak turned into a valley rather quickly, so the 59-year-old could be highly motivated to prove he wasn't merely a flash in the pan.
The Up-and-Comer - Mike Norvell
The search for Jones' successor may not lead Tennessee far, as 400 miles west of Knoxville there is a head coach leading his team toward a spot in the AAC championship game. Memphis' Mike Norvell didn't miss a beat when replacing Justin Fuente prior to last season, and the 36-year-old has stepped it up a notch this campaign with an 8-1 record so far. Norvell's experience as an offensive coordinator would aid a floundering offense, and his young age could see him favor a long-term deal.
The Wily Veteran - Les Miles
Regardless of how likely an agreement would be, a coach with Les Miles' track record is someone who Tennessee needs to call at the very least. Miles has expressed interest in returning to coaching, with a reported interest specifically in Oregon State's vacancy. The 63-year-old would bring an immediate recruiting power to the Volunteers to complement all that Jones was able to secure, as well as a history of success that would be vital in injecting a winning culture back into the program.
The Long Shot - Lane Kiffin
Man ... what if?
The first Lane Kiffin experiment in Knoxville didn't exactly go to plan, but time can do more than heal wounds; it can also lead to growth. Since leaving Tennessee unceremoniously in 2009, Kiffin has led a Power-5 team to a 10-win season, spent time as the offensive coordinator of a national champion, and has most recently turned a three-win Florida Atlantic into a conference title contender. Is it likely that Tennessee double dips and brings Kiffin back? No, but it wouldn't be the worst move the program could make.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)